Umar Akmal apologises for not reporting corrupt approaches

Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal has apologised for not reporting corrupt approaches last year, which led to him being banned for 12 months.

Umar Akmal's statement issued by @TheRealPCB pic.twitter.com/v5EXCnUGHO

— Shahzaib Ali 🇵🇰 (@DSBcricket) July 7, 2021

Akmal, 30, was suspended last year by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not reporting spot-fixing approaches made to him before the start of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020.

“Seventeen months ago, I made a mistake which caused damage to my cricket and career,” Akmal said in a video released by PCB on Wednesday as part of his reintegration and rehabilitation process.

“I learnt a lot during this time and due to that mistake, Pakistan cricket’s reputation suffered badly. I ask for forgiveness from the PCB and from cricket fans around the world.”

Akmal admitted that the ban has been a “very difficult period for him”.

“Some people approached me but I was unable to report the same to the anti-corruption unit, due to which I had to face a 12-month ban. I couldn’t play cricket despite being a cricketer.

“I learned a lot during this time and today I confess before all of you that that mistake brought disrepute to Pakistan cricket.”